There are some nuggets of stories in this rant, but then they are overwhelmed by the petty vindictiveness. I mean, do we really need to know about the Mayor’s secluded tuba playing? It clearly goes against their stated goal of the citycaucas franchise which is to “have a fun, but respectful dialogue about Canada’s major urban centres.” (they are trying to expand and go coast-to-coast).

Yet, citycaucas is an example of what has now become the new “journalism”. Daniel Fontaine, former Chief of Staff to Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and the main man behind the blog, is now accepted by the local media as a legitimate source, sitting on panels on the local radio station CKNW with more reputable journalists such as Frances Bula.

What does this all mean? The tip of the iceberg I think. Welcome to politics and media played the American way. Can’t get Fox News? No worries, it’s here. Think the Tea Party has some good points? Well, it’s here as well — the “Ice Tea” party cometh.

In the eyes of the Bush team, the United States is a polarized country, where there are fundamental divisions worth fighting over. A president – and a party – should not worry about slender margins of victory or legislative control. The goal is to accumulate just enough power to use the energies and passions of the base to effect ideological change in America’s laws and institutions, even if – sometimes especially if – those changes might be at odds with majority public opinion.

So, kick back with a nice, cool Ice Tea and enjoy the rest of the summer. The parties only just started.